15 Around Town

I wanted to run 18 today. Normally I moderate the Bosom Buddies Breastfeeding Support Group on Wednesdays but this week the library was preparing for its annual book sale and the ladies planned an offsite activity (hayride). So I decided to get a long run in and I thought 18 would be great. Well……that did not happen.

I eeked out 15 miles and it was tough. The first 8 were great and I felt good but it went downhill fast after that. I took an energy gel at mile 8 and 1/2 of a Picky Bar at mile 11 thinking I was just needed nutrition (even though I had forced down toast and peanut butter/jelly an hour before the run–and usually I do not eat before exercising). I also carried a handheld water bottle with Nuun in it that I refilled at the library at mile 11. From mile 11-15 I stopped A LOT (my overall time does not reflect the stops). In hindsight I could have kept a slower pace and finished in the same time it took me to run faster with LOTS of breaks and I felt bad. I had tons of discomfort in my left calf and knees from mile 10 on.

It was a perfect day for a run though. Sunny and cool in the high 50’s. I wore Lulelemon Run Bright at Night Crops and a Run Swiflty long sleeve top and it was a perfect outfit (I know Lululemon is expensive but their stuff fits so well–functional and nice looking). I hope the weather for the race will be in the 50s.

I ran into this guy at mile 4 on the way to the libray:

I ran past the pond at the library; they are in the process of dredging it:

I ran past the old school house on Montrose:

but I could not wait to run home….I am not happy with this run. My goal was to run longer and to feel good. I can’t help but to reflect back on this and recognize that I could have run longer at a slower pace in the same amount of time that it took me to run this with ALL the breaks that I felt were necessary.